Cooling System - Collector Hose Fitting Coolant Leak

Classification:
LC99-003

Reference:
NTB99-003

Date:
March 1, 1999

1996-97 ALTIMA COOLANT LEAK FROM INTAKE

COLLECTOR HOSE FITTING

APPLIED VEHICLE:
All 1996-97 Altima (U13)

SERVICE INFORMATION

If a 1996-97 Altima leaks engine coolant under the right front area of the vehicle after driving, the cause may be the coolant hose fitting located under the number one intake collector runner near the cylinder head. The coolant hose fitting may be leaking from the O-ring that seals the fitting to the intake collector or from the body of the fitting itself.

Use the following service procedure to resolve the incident.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Figure 3:

1. Confirm coolant is leaking from the hose fitting (see Figure 2 for hose fitting location).
A. If coolant is leaking and/or green residue is present on the fitting, proceed with step two.
B. If coolant is not leaking and/or green residue is not present on the fitting, look for other causes of the incident.

2. Replace the coolant hose fitting as follows:
A. Remove the right front wheel/tire assembly.
B. Remove the engine under cover.
C. Remove the power steering pump from its mounting points and reposition it towards the rear of the vehicle.

NOTE:
Do not disconnect the hoses from the power steering pump.

D. Remove the oil filter and immediately cover the oil passages to prevent debris entry.

Figure 2:

E. Remove the oil separator assembly from the side of the front cover by removing three hex-head screws (see Figure 1).

NOTE:
Two of the screws are located on the top portion of the oil separator. One screw is located on the bottom portion of the separator.

F. Remove the coolant hose fitting from the intake collector by removing one hex-head screw (see Figure 2).

G. Remove the thermo switch from the old hose fitting. Clean the thermo switch threads as needed.





H. Apply RTV silicone sealant (such as Loctite Ultra Blue P/N 587 or equivalent) to the thermo switch threads (see Figure 3).

I. Install the thermo switch in the new hose fitting (see Figure 3) noting the original orientation of the thermo switch nipple.

J. Install the new O-ring in the groove of the new hose fitting (see Figure 3).

K. Install the new hose fitting in the intake collector and tighten the hex-head mounting bolt to 6.4 - 7.5 Nm (0.65-0.76 kg-m, 56.4 - 66.0 in-lb).

L. Reconnect the hoses to the hose fitting.

M. Reinstall the oil separator as follows:

1. Clean the sealing surface of the oil separator and the front cover.

2. Apply RTV silicone sealant (such as Loctite Ultra Gray Import Gasket Maker P/N 599 or equivalent) to the oil separator sealing surface.

3. Install the oil separator and tighten the three hex-head mounting screws to 6.4 - 7.5 Nm (0.65-0.76 kg-m 56.4 - 66.0 in-lb).

4. Reconnect the PCV hose to the oil separator.

N. Install a new oil filter.

O. Reinstall the power steering pump.

P. Reinstall the power steering pump belt and adjust the belt tension to specification. Refer to the MA section of the applicable service manual for the belt tension specification.

Q. Reinstall the engine under cover.

R. Reinstall the wheel/tire assembly. Tighten the wheel nuts to 98 - 117 Nm (10 - 12kg-m, 72 - 86 ft-lb).

S. Check the oil and coolant levels. Add as needed.





PARTS INFORMATION





CLAIMS INFORMATION
Submit a Primary Failed Part (PP) line using the claims coding as shown.